Frugi and the UK's National Trust have launch a new kidswear range of sustainable children's clothing and accessories, that celebrates the coastline and wildlife

THE Sustainable children's clothing brand Frugi and the National Trust are set to launch a Paddling Puffins capsule collection of ethically made outerwear and accessories for the Spring to Summer 2021 season.

Inspired by the National Trust's 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾' activities and the many miles of coastline in its care, the new Paddling Puffins collection invites children up to 10 years to explore the outdoors with a range of pieces that are perfect for spotting birds, skimming stones, and exploring rockpools. From a zip up Romper to Reversible Shorts, a Pioneer Packaway Jacket to a:- 'Pack A Snack Lunch' bag, this capsule collection has everything a little eco-warrior will need when exploring and playing outdoors.

As Europe's largest conservation charity, the National Trust cares for 780 miles of coastline and the huge variety of wildlife that lives there. As seas rise and storms rage, our scenic shores are constantly transformed with each coastal mile costing ₤3,000 a year to maintain. Seals, puffins, and seabirds make places such as the Farne Islands and Blakeney National Nature Reserve their home each year. A minimum of ₤25,000 from sales of the Paddling Puffins collection will be provided to the National Trust, which will support the work they carry out to help wildlife to flourish.

Frugi uses only GOTS Certified organic cotton for 85% of its products. This strict certification by the Soil Association means that Frugi's bright and playful clothes are made with organic fibres that have met rigorous production standards throughout the entire supply chain. Organic cotton clothing is not only better for the environment by using less water, but it feels much softer because the fibres are left intact and not broken down by the harsh chemicals used in the processing of conventional cotton. This results in snuggly clothes that are kinder to babies and young children's delicate skin. In addition, no harmful chemicals or dangerous dyes are used, and so organic cotton is less likely to trigger allergies. Organic cotton is also more durable and lasts much longer enabling the clothes to be handed down.

The remaining 15% of Frugi products are made using an innovative yet simple process of turning old polyethylene (PET) plastic bottles into a form of polyester that can be recycled and spun into yarn to make a durable, water proof fabric for Frugi's outerwear and accessories. Knowing that 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs and that there are 159 plastic bottles for every mile of beach in the UK, according to:- Refil.Org.UK, the Paddling Puffin Pioneer Packaway Jacket, Adventurers Backpack and Pack A Snack Lunch Bag are a sustainable choice for any young explorer. It takes 12 500ml recycled plastic drinking bottles to make just 1 jacket for ages 4 top 6 years!

When children spend time playing outdoors it increases their wellbeing as well as that of their families. A National Trust survey revealed that 80% of the happiest people in the UK said that they have a strong connection with the natural world, compared with less than 40% of the unhappiest. It also reported that children who spend more time in nature are also more likely to care for the natural environment when they grow up. Through learning about the plants and animals we share our lives with, we are more likely to care for their long term wellbeing, which is a common goal for both organisations.

Clare Brown, Head of Brand Licensing, at National Trust, commented that:- "We've been delighted to see how well the Autumn Winter 2020 collection was received and are therefore thrilled to be working with Frugi on this new line for 2021. The ethical values behind the products, combined with the light the designs shine on some of the amazing wildlife we care for, come together in such an authentic way. With proceeds from each sale supporting the work we do to care for our coastline, and the landscapes and buildings beyond, this collaboration provides another way for people to support the work we do."

The Head of Marketing, Frug, Lara Smrtnik, concludes:- "We are excited to be launching another collection of ethical and sustainable clothing with the National Trust. This collaboration is a perfect alignment of our shared core values to help raise the next generation of eco-warriors who will 1 day help look after our coastal areas and wildlife for many years to come."

Merseyside Police's Chief Constable to retire

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner has announced, on Friday, 22 January 2021, that Andy Cooke QPM has informed her of his decision to retire as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police to take up a new appointment, details of which will be released in due course.

Jane Kennedy paid tribute to him for his exemplary service to Merseyside and to the Police service here for more than 35 years, having joined Merseyside Police in 1985. Chief Constable Cooke has been commended on 10 occasions and, in 2014, was awarded the Queen's Policing Medal.

Chief Constable Cooke has been Merseyside's most senior Police Officer for nearly 5 years since being appointed by the Police Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, in July 2016. Since then, he has also been the lead for serious and organised crime on the National Police Chiefs' Council, and the National Policing lead for all crime.

Throughout his tenure, Merseyside Police has continually been graded as the best performing urban Force in the country, by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary, maintaining this performance in spite of the challenges created by unprecedented budget cuts.

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said:- "It is with very mixed emotions that I'm announcing Andy Cooke's decision to retire as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. He will leave the Force in April 2021. On be½ of the people of Merseyside, I offer Andy my heartfelt thanks for his commitment to policing and to Merseyside over more than 3 decades. Andy has served the people of Merseyside since 1985 with unwavering courage, integrity and dedication. He has been an outstanding leader, always professional and clear sighted, with a deep attachment to the communities of Merseyside, 1 who has truly embodied his own motto for the Force; 'Community 1st.' Born and bred in Liverpool, Andy has been a passionate advocate for the Force and for the Region throughout his exceptional career. It has been an honour to have appointed and then to work alongside such a 1st class Chief Constable, delivering our shared priorities to keep Merseyside safe. Andy is rightly recognised as 1 of the most experienced and knowledgeable Police chiefs in the country, who has been at the forefront of the fight against serious and organised crime at a local, Regional and national level. Andy has been a dedicated public servant throughout his career and I know he will continue to serve with distinction until he officially leaves the role. I thank Andy wholeheartedly for his service to policing and to the people of Merseyside. He has been an outstanding Chief Constable and I am sorry that his time has come to leave us. I wish him every success and happiness in his future endeavours."

After joining the Force in 1985, Chief Constable Cooke served as Detective at every rank, including having responsibility for the robbery squad and targeted operations at the Major Crime Unit. In 2004, he established and became the 1st Commander of the nationally recognised 'Matrix' team, responsible for tackling gun and gang crime.

2 years later, he became Area Commander for South Liverpool, during which time he devised a nationally applauded approach to tackling serious organised crime within the security industry.

In 2008, he left Merseyside Police to take up the role of Assistant Chief Constable, in Lancashire Constabulary, where he served for 4 years before returning to Merseyside at the same rank. He was quickly promoted to Deputy, and 3 years later took over from Sir Jon Murphy as Chief Constable.

Chief Constable Cooke said:- "After 36 years in policing and rapidly approaching 5 years as Chief of the best Police Force in the country, I would like to take the opportunity to inform you that despite being very kindly offered an extension to my contract by the PCC, I have decided to retire as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. I wanted to place on record my thanks for the incredible support both the Force and I have received from Merseyside communities and stakeholders over the period. I know that the men and women (and dogs and horses!) of this Force are daily doing fantastic acts to keep our community safe and I could not be prouder of them. Merseyside is the highest rated metropolitan Force in the country, an achievement we are very proud of and which emphasises our commitment to keep the people of Merseyside safe. I have been exceptionally proud to lead the Force and I would like to thank the PCC Jane Kennedy with whom it has been a pleasure to work alongside."